Paddy McGuinness, who has teased that he cannot wait to give ‘an unending supply of dad jokes’ to the airways, will take over Rylan Clark’s BBC Radio 2 programme.
The former Top Gear presenter, 50, will take up the 3pm to 6pm slot on Saturday, February 10.
He will remain in the booth for the next three weeks and four episodes while 35-year-old Rylan is abroad filming’something really special’ during a long hiatus.
Along with music and a slew of guests, Paddy’s broadcasts will continue to feature the regular quiz Couch Potatoes, in which listeners compete to test their film and TV knowledge.
The Winning At Life feature will also continue, with listeners asked to share recent successes.
Paddy said: ‘I’m really excited to be taking over the reins of Rylan’s show and keeping his seat warm for four weeks.
‘I can’t wait to bring the fun, and an endless supply of dad jokes, to Radio 2 every Saturday.’
The presenter previously hosted a quiz on Vernon Kay‘s mid-morning programme for a few episodes in November while the host ran an ultra-marathon for Children In Need.
Paddy has directed several shows over the years, including the renowned dating game Take Me Out and the music game show I Can See Your Voice.
He also helmed Top Gear for a few years before the show was recently paused, and took over from Sue Barker as host of A Question Of Sport in 2021 until the show was abruptly cancelled last year.
The TV actor has three children with his previous wife Christine McGuinness, 35: Felicity and twins Leo and Penelope, all of whom have autism.
It was recently reported that their divorce procedures have escalated after the ex-couple continued to live together for the benefit of their children, who are alleged to be oblivious of the separation.
Rylan, the red carpet sweetheart, took up Zoe Ball‘s Saturday afternoon slot on Radio 2 when she moved to broadcast the station’s breakfast show in 2019, and he just celebrated the fifth anniversary of his show.
He told listeners: ‘I’m going to be off for a few weeks filming something very special – so the wonderful Paddy McGuinness is going to be keeping my lovely Radio 2 listeners entertained while I’m away. Over to you Paddy.’
Head of BBC Radio 2 Helen Thomas added: ‘Paddy did a great job presenting Ten To The Top for Vernon Kay whilst he took on his Ultra Ultramarathon Challenge for BBC Children In Need last year.
‘He was warmly welcomed by the listeners so it’s wonderful to welcome him back to Radio 2 to sit in for Rylan on Saturday afternoons for four weeks.’
Rylan On Saturday airs every Saturday from 3 – 6pm on BBC Radio 2.